3 days in Massachusetts, Connecticut & Rhode Island Itinerary

Known as the "Bay State" because of the three bays dominating its coastline, Massachusetts has played a significant cultural and commercial role through most of the country's history. An increasingly popular vacation destination for foreign travelers, Massachusetts offers numerous places to visit, ranging from historical sites to modern urban centers famous for their culinary, art, and nightlife scenes. With the majority of its population living in and around the city of Boston, in the 20th century Massachusetts went from a state largely dependent on fishing and agriculture to the country's leader in higher education, healthcare, high technology, and financial services. Home to renowned universities and research centers, the state's cities attract a young crowd of students, scientists, artists, and business professionals.

Perhaps best known for its renowned private and public universities, Connecticut was once home to the country's first law school and still boasts one of the oldest secondary schools in America. More than just a small state packed with students, Connecticut offers visitors a chance to explore some of New England's finest tourist attractions while on vacation, including lighthouses, beaches, theaters, museums, galleries, and restaurants. Despite its small size, the state also boasts two large casino complexes, both located on Native American reservations. Rich in history and natural beauty, Connecticut draws newcomers from around the world, with large Polish, Chinese, and Hispanic communities.

Despite being the country's smallest state, Rhode Island includes over 640 km (400 mi) of coastline, courtesy of Narragansett Bay and more than 30 islands. Most of the state is part of the U.S. mainland, despite its somewhat misleading name. Though it takes only about 40 minutes to drive across this tiny state, Rhode Island includes more white sandy beaches than most visitors can hope to explore on a single trip. The state's one big city and surrounding small towns brim with places to visit, such as museums, galleries, restaurants, bars, and historical neighborhoods packed with colonial-era buildings. Although the state may seem small, your holiday itinerary is sure to be chock-full.